YOU probably won't need to look particularly closely but Jon Walters will have an extra spring in his step today.The Blues attacker is back in action a couple of weeks ahead of schedule after rupturing ankle ligaments and plans to make the most of these remaining five games.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

YOU probably won't need to look particularly closely but Jon Walters will have an extra spring in his step today.

The Blues attacker is back in action a couple of weeks ahead of schedule after rupturing ankle ligaments and plans to make the most of these remaining five games.

Town may not have much to play for in terms of challenging for promotion but Walters is determined pride is a powerful motivator.

Walters said: “None of us like losing and we are also playing for our pride.

“I'm dying to play. It is not easy sitting in the stands because you want to play every part of every game and you think about what you could do out there.

It has got to the point of looking at next season but we have five games left and it is bonus for me to be playing.

“Plus we can't just let the season die because it is important for so many other people too.

“Fans have paid good money to watch and in any case I just love playing and wanting to do my best.

“This week has been non-stop in training and we will take that into all these games.”

Just like an Oscar-winner Walters has a list of thank-you for helping him get back to full fitness so quick and swears he has no Superhero type of regenerative tissue but puts it down to the right mental attitude.

Daughters Scarlett and Sienna have played their part, as too have the Town back up staff.

Walters said: “I'm pretty determined and have pushed myself through pain barriers.

“I eat right, and do the right things off the pitch plus my two girls keep me on my toes.

“I have to thank the physios Mark Endicott and Matt Byard along with fitness coach Simon Thadani yet again because they have been brilliant.

“I have been to quite a few clubs but these are the best two physios I have worked with.

“It has been positive thinking. I must be a good healer too but it is mainly down to positive thinking.”

Walters will wear strapping as a precaution and has no qualms about playing in both Easter weekend games against Doncaster Rovers today and Bristol City on Monday should he be selected.

He said: “I feel I would be fine for both games. Training is fine but there is nothing like actually playing to get you right up there.”

Walters hopes to start for the first time since rupturing ligaments in the goalless draw at Wolves on March 10.

With Gio dos Santos also looking to start after recovering from a groin strain the Town midfield will be freshened up after the 2-0 loss at Sheffield United, and Tommy Miller could also force his way back in the centre.

David Wright is likely to return to right back after a hamstring problem with Moritz Volz dropping out after aggravating his groin problem.

Colchester schoolboy Connor Wickham, who has spent his Easter holidays training with the Town first team, will start on the bench but could become the club's youngest ever debutant at 16-years and 11 days today.

Skipper Gareth McAuley is not expected to be fit but could return for Monday's trip to Bristol City along with Jon Stead who has a sore back.

Ipswich Town: R Wright, Bialkowski, D Wright, Bruce, Campo, Balkestein, Thatcher, Miller, Quinn, Garvan, Norris, dos Santos, Walters, Haynes, Counago, Lisbie, Wickham.

Doncaster Rovers: Sullivan, Letheren, Chambers, Roberts, Van Niewstadt, Mills, Lockwood, Hird, Roberts, Spicer, Wellens, Lua Lua, Wilson, Hayter, Woods, Heffernan, Guy.

Referee: Keith Stroud (Hants)